Unilateral Diaphragmatic Paralysis in a Patient With COVID-19 Pneumonia

Cureus. 2021 Nov 6;13(11):e19322. doi: 10.7759/cureus.19322. eCollection 2021 Nov.

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is best known for causing febrile pneumonia with lung parenchymal involvement. However, that is often not the only disease presentation, as many studies have shown that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can present with other complications involving the cardiovascular and neurologic systems. Here, we report a case of COVID-19 pneumonia presenting with a peculiar finding of unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis. The patient presented with dyspnea requiring oxygen support via a nasal cannula. He was managed with the hospital's COVID-19 treatment protocols and clinically improved within 14 days of admission. This case helps shine some light on the neuroinvasive potential of SARS-CoV-2.

Keywords: covid-19 pneumonia; dyspnea; neurologic complication; self-resolving; unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports